Panama, FL- The East Central Community College men's basketball team endured a heartbreaking 67-65 loss to Gulf Coast State, as a buzzer-beating three-pointer dashed their hopes on day two of The Richard Sanders Fall Classic.

Connor Rogers was phenomenal for the Warriors, leading all scorers with 36 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including a blistering 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Despite Gulf Coast State's late surge, his effort helped East Central stay in the game.

The game was closely contested, but the difference came down to team efficiency. Gulf Coast State shot 40.7% from the field compared to East Central's 35.5%. Both teams leaned on the three-point shot, with Gulf Coast State hitting 10-of-27 (37.0%) and East Central connecting on 8-of-19 (42.1%).

East Central won the rebounding battle with a 37-30 edge, including a strong 16 offensive boards, which created second-chance opportunities. However, turnovers proved costly for the Warriors as they committed 17, compared to Gulf Coast State's 16, with many of them leading to transition points.

Despite their valiant effort, East Central's struggles at the free-throw line (13-of-19, 68.4%) and Gulf Coast State's ability to capitalize on key possessions ultimately decided the game. Gulf Coast State also displayed balanced scoring, with multiple players chipping in, while Rogers was the lone Warrior in double figures.

The Warriors led 38-28 at halftime but were unable to withstand Gulf Coast State's 39-point second half, punctuated by the dramatic buzzer-beater. East Central will look to regroup as they continue their non-conference slate.

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On Monday, the Warriors will travel to El Dorado, AK, to take on the South Ark Stars.